Two to three men wearing hooded sweatshirts entered the bank in the 12600 block of Hesperia Road at about 12:30 p.m., one of them holding a long gun described as an AK-47, according to witnesses at the scene who did not want to be identified.

"I saw the guy with a big old gun and I just ran out the back," one witness said.

Security guards held the men at the entry way of the bank and got into a scuffle with the robbers who are being described as two black men and one Hispanic man between the ages of 18 and 30, said Karen Hunt, spokeswoman for the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Victorville station.

One shot was fired by a robber during the altercation, lodging a bullet into the ceiling, according to Hunt.

Witnesses also reported that when the robbers first attempted to enter the bank, they tried to take a female employee hostage.

"It was amazing, because she was one of the most calm and composed people there and she was calming other people down," said one bank patron.

"There were about 30 patrons and about eight employees inside the bank at the time," Hunt said. No one was hurt.

The security guards were able to chase the men into the bank's parking lot and exchanged gunfire with the robbers, but it is not known whether any of the criminals were hit, officials said.

The robbers tried to drive south onto Hesperia Road, but struck a dark blue Mitsubishi, officials said. The getaway vehicle, a maroon hatchback or similar vehicle with major front-end damage, was seen in the area of Bear Valley and Industrial roads, officials said.

The men also robbed a woman in the parking lot before entering the bank, but it is not clear what they stole from the victim, Hunt said.

The same location was robbed on Oct. 23.

Many bank customers raised concerns that the bank does not have the same security measures in place as at the newer Washington Mutual offices, including metal detectors, possibly making it an easier target.

Washington Mutual officials said that following any incident, they review the safety measures in place at a branch and determine what necessary steps need to be taken.

"Our primary concerns for all of our branches is the safety of our customers and employees," Gary Kishner, spokesperson for the bank said.

Sheriff's officials are asking anyone who may come into contact with the robbers to call 911 immediately and not try to stop them. Tipsters can also call Detective Gary Hart at the Victorville station at 241-2911 or WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME.

Beatriz E. Valenzuela can be reached at 951-6276 or at BValenzuela@VVDailyPress.com.